A Groundbreaking Maritime Strike in the Southern Hemisphere

In a stunning display of military prowess, the U.S. Army successfully executed the first-ever Mid-Range Capability (Typhon) live fire exercise outside of U.S. borders on July 16, 2025. This momentous event took place during the joint military Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 in Australia, where a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) was used to sink a target at sea.

A Show of Strength and Precision

The operation was spearheaded by the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), which deployed the groundbreaking Mid-Range Capability (MRC) to Australia. The live fire exercise, conducted on July 15, showcased not only the potency of the SM-6 missile but also highlighted the U.S. Army's commitment to ensuring regional security and stability alongside its Australian counterparts.

Milestone Achieved: A New Era in Maritime Strike

The successful sinking of a maritime target marks a critical milestone in advancing the U.S. military’s land-based maritime strike capabilities. This live fire event validated the Army’s capacity to forward deploy Long-Range Precision Fires (LRPF), demonstrating an enhanced command and control (C2) structure that operates seamlessly with Australia’s emerging multi-domain formations.

Pioneering New Frontiers in Military Operations

This operation is particularly noteworthy as it's the first instance where a land-based MRC has been activated west of the International Date Line, underscoring a historic advancement in U.S. military strategy.

Leadership Remarks: Commitment to Innovation

Col. Wade Germann, Commander of the 3rd MDTF, stated, “The deployment of the MRC and successful execution of an SM-6 live fire against a maritime target is another significant step forward in our ability to deploy, integrate, and command and control advanced land-based maritime strike capabilities.”

Future Insights and Lessons Learned

The exercise not only showcased cutting-edge military technology but also provided invaluable lessons that will shape future strategies in land-based maritime and strategic strike capabilities. As the U.S. and Australian forces continue to collaborate, this operation signals a robust partnership poised for future challenges.